Whether it is your home or business, protecting your property against vandals is critical. When a vandal attempts to destroy your property, having certain protections in place will help to catch them in the act. Property owners have the right to protect their properties in a variety of different ways. Without these safeguards in place, property owners are at the mercy of vandals and thieves.
Knowing the options available to you will help you make the right decisions.
Acts of Vandalism Are on the Rise
Vandalism is an intentional act that involves the defacement or destruction of a person’s personal property. There are multiple types of vandalism and many home and business owners are putting up cameras to protect their property. By choosing the right company to supply CCTV equipment, property owners feel safer. Some of the common acts of vandalism include the following.
- Graffiti
- Removal of signs
- Breaking items
- Dumping trash
- Egging
- Breaking windows
7 Effective Ways to Catch Vandals Red-Handed
There are a few different steps you can take to make sure your property is protected and you are able to catch vandals. Being proactive is essential, and sometimes, it takes thinking like a thief or vandal to put up the greatest level of protection.
1. One of the most effective means of catching vandals is having cameras on your property. Closed circuit cameras will catch the vandals in the act and give you video evidence that can be used to prosecute them. Make sure the cameras are placed at strategic points all over your property.
2. Lighting is important for two reasons. It ensures there will be plenty of light to allow for clear camera footage, and it also makes your property less desirable for vandals and thieves. Vandals typically want to approach properties that are poorly lit, so they will not get caught in the act.
3. If someone vandalizes your property, no matter how minor the damage, do not ignore it. All acts of vandalism should be reported to the police. Many vandals get a thrill out of getting away with attack after attack. Informing the police ensures they are searching for those who commit vandalism, so they can be prosecuted. Protecting your property against vandalism begins with seeking police support.
4. A neighborhood or business watch group is extremely beneficial in catching vandals and thieves. Members of these groups look out for one another’s property and can be very helpful in catching vandals that try attack when they think no one is around. These groups are helpful because the police cannot always patrol the area.
5. One of the biggest reasons vandals vandalize is for attention. If graffiti or other acts of vandalism are carried out, removing the damaged areas and cleaning up within 24 to 48 hours will deter further acts. Vandals will not see much point in coming back if they know their “work” will not be on display for long.
6. Security gates with cameras and intercoms can go a long way towards protecting your property. They can also prove useful for catching individuals who are attempting to enter your property illegally. When you are home alone, these extra security devices help give peace of mind.
7. Evidence is key when it comes to catching vandals. In addition to images from security cameras, property owners also use fingerprints, shoe prints, and even DNA left behind. Most vandals are not smart enough to protect themselves against getting caught. Turning over evidence to the police can catch the vandal and make them pay for their actions.
Tips for Preventing Vandalism and Theft
Property owners need to protect themselves against vandalism while having video surveillance tools in place for getting evidence. There are a few different steps you can take to discourage vandals from hitting your property.
1. Inaccessibility is a big deterrent to vandals and thieves. Most criminals do not want to go through a hassle to get to your property. Keep everything locked up tight, including outbuildings, sheds, and garages. If they cannot get in, then they will not be able to vandalize.
2. Plants are an easy way to make it more difficult for vandals to gain access to your property. Plant thorny or spiky plants under your windows and near property entrances. The fear of pain is likely to keep them away.
3. Security systems are a big help for deterring would-be thieves. Make sure to put up signs announcing a security system is in use. In most cases, vandals are going to skip a property that has a security system and cameras because they do not want the risks.
4. Break-resistant glass is a sound investment and can protect your property from being damaged or from thieves. Vandals get a thrill from destroying property. If they cannot break your windows, they will likely go looking for another victim.
How to Choose Security Cameras
Choosing the right security camera setup is essential for catching vandals. One of the most important things owners need to be aware of, is the types of cameras that are available.
- Infrared
- Pro box
- Domed
- Pan tilt
- Hidden
Many property owners choose to have multiple types of cameras put in place for the highest level of protection and visibility. The following are some key criteria property owners should consider.
1. The security camera needs to be durable and weather-proof to stand up to weather condition extremes.
2. The coverage area should be as broad as possible. There are now cameras that offer 360-degree views.
3. High-resolution levels are essential. What good will it do to capture an act of vandalism on camera when the footage is so grainy it does not identify the vandal?
4. The camera should offer reliable recording features that work seamlessly and do not require a lot of manual input.
Conclusion
There are many steps you can take to catch vandals and protect your property. Closed circuit cameras are one of the most effective means, especially when coupled with plenty of lighting and other safety measures.
